We think this is a waistcoat rather than a coat. Despite the damage this coat looks good from the front. Buttons could be found or made. It could be useful to a designer. The fabric is expensive and discreet. I think it is a silk and cotton mix.
of ivory satin weave, with a large foliate pattern with formal flowers and C scrolls woven in a fine rib, round neck, sixteen decorative corded buttonholes, with only the first ten opening for buttons, large shaped pockets with similar buttonhole decoration, each held down by four buttons, the shaped sleeves with a buttonhole and missing button to the curved cuff, the back skirts with two slits, lined with wool to the bodice and a minute woven diaper silk to the edges and skirts, pattern repeat 12 in; 30 cm; chest 31 in; 80 cm; across back 11 in; 28 cm; arm length 19 in; 50 cm; back length 34 in; 87 cm.
The centre back has some surface stitching and is slightly raised, as if it has come apart and been resewn. This could be unpicked and improved. One pocket closure has three buttonsand the other four, all worn. Slight mark to front left hand side above pocket. The wool lining is grubby and the silk areas damaged. Ask for more photos. The back of the left sleeve is badly damaged (burnt?) and there is an old darn which extends from the buttonhole on this sleeve to 2 1/ 2 in; 6.5 cm.
All images and text © meg-andrews.com 2021
